Senate hearing spotlights Bill 5355 to tighten Title IX processes, expand survivor supports at public colleges

Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee members held a public hearing on a proposed substitute to Senate Bill 5355, an act the prime sponsor said is aimed at "improving safety at institutions of higher education while supporting student survivors of sexual assault." Kelly Gunn, committee staff, briefed members on the substitute before hundreds of students and campus representatives testified.

The bill would: enumerate specified rights for sexual-assault survivors at public baccalaureate institutions and community and technical colleges (CTCs) with enrollments above 8,000; require creation of student health and safety committees at flagship campuses and larger regionals/CTCs; mandate employee training and student education focused on survivor-centered response, with certain higher-risk student groups required to take some training in person; place the telephone number for a 24/7 support organization on the back of student ID cards; prohibit nondisclosure agreements on student complaints filed under Title IX; and set a statutory cap of 180 days for a Title IX process with required investigation steps specified…